An Indiana Marine who lost both his legs fighting in Iraq faces an uphill recovery battle that will be helped by a loving community.

Lance Cpl. Josh Bleill, 29, of Greenfield was one of two Marines injured when a roadside bomb exploded near his Humvee in an Oct. 15 attack that killed two more Marines.

Hundreds Give Love, Support To Indiana Marine

Bleill lost his legs because of the blast. Supporters came out Friday to raise money for Bleill's family, dishing out chili and a whole lot of love, 6News' Jeremy Brilliant reported.

"It's really important to me to see all these people reach out to each other, and that's what we're seeing here tonight," said Holly Blagburn, who organized the event at a Knights of Columbus hall on Indianapolis' east side.

Hundreds of people attended the event, providing solace to a family that has suffered for three weeks.

"The e-mails, the phone calls and events like this have kept the family ... kind of up," said Julie Allen, Bleill's sister.

A significant amount of financial support was given at the event. The money raised will help Bleill during an expected yearlong recovery and a new, very different life.

"It's going to help him a lot. Now that he's a double-amputee, he'll need his car modified. He'll need his home modified," Allen said.

A solemn reminder of Hoosier sacrifice is outside the hall -- nearly 100 tombstones with the names of soldiers and Marines who never made it home.